Kubera, the mighty God of Wealth, ruled over treasures so vast that no one could even imagine them. Gold coins piled higher than the tallest mountains, sparkling jewels adorned every corner of his palace, and precious gems glimmered in the sunlight like tiny stars scattered across the land. Kubera was proud—so proud that he often boasted to anyone who would listen, “I am the richest of all gods! My wealth has no equal!”

One day, feeling particularly proud of his riches, Kubera decided to hold a grand feast—a feast unlike any the heavens had ever seen. He sent golden invitations to all the famous gods and goddesses. Among the invitees were Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the divine couple who ruled over Mount Kailash. However, they were busy attending to cosmic duties and could not come themselves. But they sent their clever and ever-charming son, Ganesha, to the feast.

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, was known for his love of food. No delicacy was safe when Ganesha was around, but he also had a gentle heart, a playful mind, and an unsettling curiosity about the world. He accepted the invitation with a cheerful nod and set off for Kubera’s palace, his small belly rumbling in anticipation.

When Ganesha arrived, the palace was dazzling. Golden chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and walls encrusted with diamonds sparkled as though the stars themselves had come down to earth. Every corner of the palace glittered with unimaginable wealth. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, making Ganesha’s tummy growl even louder.

Kubera, seeing Ganesha, greeted him warmly, bowing with a mix of pride and nervousness. “Welcome, young Ganesha! I am honored that you have come to my feast. Please, eat to your heart’s content!”

Ganesha smiled mischievously but politely. “Thank you, Kubera. I am very hungry today,” he said, rubbing his belly.

As soon as Kubera turned to attend to the other preparations, Ganesha’s appetite took over. He first tried the food on the tables—mountains of sweet laddoos, golden halwas, fragrant rice dishes, and exotic fruits from distant lands. Each bite made his eyes sparkle with delight. But no matter how much he ate, his appetite did not wane.

Soon, Ganesha moved beyond the food. The golden plates and silver bowls gleamed invitingly. One by one, he picked them up and, in a playful yet unstoppable manner, began to eat them too! The silver and gold vanished into his enormous belly as if they were nothing more than ordinary treats.

Kubera, at first proud that Ganesha was enjoying his offerings, soon realized that something was terribly wrong. Ganesha’s hunger seemed limitless. The little god’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he devoured the chairs, tables, and even the luxurious curtains. The palace shook under the weight of Ganesha’s appetite, and Kubera’s pride melted away into sheer panic.

“What is happening?” Kubera whispered, his voice trembling. “How can one small god eat so much?!”

Ganesha, completely unaware of Kubera’s fear, looked around curiously. “Hmm… something is still missing. There is a taste I want, a crunch I must try,” he said to himself. And before anyone could stop him, he even began taking bytes of the feast served to the other guest of the feast. Though Ganesha’s playful nature made him harmless, Kubera did not know this. He was terrified and ran as fast as he could to Mount Kailash to seek help from Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva, sitting peacefully with Goddess Parvati, listened patiently as Kubera explained his plight. “Lord Shiva! Please, save me Ganesha, has eaten everything—my food, my furniture, my wealth! What should I do?” Kubera cried, tears of fear in his eyes.

Lord Shiva chuckled softly, a sound that was both comforting and commanding. “Kubera,” he said, “Ganesha is playful, but he is not cruel. He is testing the pride in your heart. Go back and offer him roasted cereals. That will satisfy him.”

Kubera was puzzled. “Roasted cereals? Is that enough?” he asked, still trembling. But he trusted Lord Shiva’s wisdom and returned to his palace with a small portion of simple roasted grains.

When Ganesha saw the humble offering, he paused. He sniffed the grains and smiled, “Ah! This is what I was looking for!” With that, he began eating the roasted cereals, and soon, his hunger was fully satisfied. He rubbed his round belly and sighed contentedly.

Kubera watched in awe. The proud God of Wealth, who had flaunted his riches, suddenly realized his mistake. He bowed before Ganesha and murmured, “I have learned my lesson. Pride in wealth is empty. True greatness lies in humility, kindness, and wisdom.”

Ganesha laughed softly, his eyes twinkling. “Remember, Kubera, it is not the gold and jewels that make you great. It is your heart and your deeds that matter,” he said. Then, patting Kubera on the shoulder, Ganesha rose and left the palace, leaving behind a very humbled God of Wealth.

After that day, Kubera’s attitude toward wealth changed. He no longer boasted of his riches but used them to help others, sharing his treasures with those in need. The story of Ganesha’s visit became famous, spreading across the heavens and the earth. Children loved to hear it, laughing at Ganesha’s unsettling appetite and learning the important lesson that humility is greater than pride.

Over time, this story was told and retold, each version carrying the same truth: even the smallest among us can teach the mighty a lesson. Ganesha’s cleverness, playfulness, and wisdom had turned a moment of pride into a lifelong lesson for Kubera.

Even today, children giggle when they hear how Ganesha ate not only the feast but the very furniture of the grand palace. Parents smile as they tell the story, knowing that it teaches a valuable lesson: wealth alone is meaningless without humility and wisdom. And so, the tale of Ganesha and Kubera’s grand feast remains a favorite, passed down from generation to generation, reminding all who hear it of the playful power and wisdom of the beloved elephant-headed god.

And thus, the legend of Ganesha’s grand feast continues to live, a story of joy, learning, and the magic that comes from humility, kindness, and a little bit of mischief.